Guess what? I’m NOT sorry!

Bengals coach Marvin Lewis has apologized TWICE for referring to Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel as a midget… but here’s the thing, I’m not sorry. His apologies have more to do with PR than actual sorrow. Maybe Lewis believes that he is in the right. That if he meant nothing by it, then it’s OK. Perhaps he feels that if it wasn’t actually directed at someone with dwarfism than it’s not offensive. But it is. And though he’s sorry. I’m not. I’m not sorry. I’m not sorry that Lewis gave himself the opportunity to “read up” on dwarfism. While I am aware of the social media implications, I also know that his word to “learn from this” is true. He may not get it anymore than he did 24 hours ago, but he does feel bad. He is sorry that he screwed up. He’s sorry that his coaching career is marred by this event. He’s sorry, and while he may not care any more or less about the dwarfism community, he will certainly think twice before he says “midget” again. And I’m not sorry he learned that lesson.

This is the face of not sorry.

To Coach Lewis,

I’m not sorry that YOU chose an offensive word.

I’m NOT sorry that it doesn’t offend you.

I’m NOT sorry that you didn’t mean anything by it.

Because you did.

You meant to insult.

You meant to demean.

You meant to mock.

You meant it.

Thank you for the opportunity to raise awareness.

Thank you for bumbling your sorrows, for they’ve given me the chance to educate.

Here is the opportunity for those who claim I didn’t know it was offensive, to buck up. To realize when you use a word to mock or hurt someone it is knowing.

You know now.

And I’m not sorry.

P.S. Coach Lewis, You can donate HERE to the LPA and continue their efforts to educate!

You have put a good spin on this: the opportunity to educate and raise awareness! I find that people often just are ignorant when inappropriate or incorrect comments are made. I appreciate you for taking a stand and sharing this post.Cathy @ Our Mini Family recently posted…Tis the Season! Giveaway Hop

Yes! I think what boils my blood is the idea that “I didn’t know”. Yet they’ve said something they meant to mock or demean. So they DID know- maybe not the extent, but they knew!martinkadelux recently posted…Guess what? I’m NOT sorry!

FANTASTIC post! Probably my favourite of the day. With a sister who is special needs, I face this battle with the dreaded ‘R’ word every day. It’s a constant battle to educate people that their words do mean something, regardless if it was intentional or not.

Some people say such stupid things without thinking. I love how you look at the positive and are using this as a means to educate people.Real Talk Moms recently posted…4 Ways Retailers Manipulate your Senses

Too many times, public figures say rude and insensitive things only to turn around and apologize. Unfortunately, their apologies are rarely heartfelt and are more a way to save face. Good for you for calling him out on this.Chrissy recently posted…Christmas Treat: Chocolate Lollipops

There are way too many people who apologize just to look good. I especially don’t care for apologies that have “IF I hurt your feelings” in them. What do you mean if? If you don’t understand that you hurt my feelings, then why bother apologizing at all?Dawn McAlexander recently posted…Easy & Frugal DIY Snowflake Votives #sponsored

Unfortunately I wasn’t aware of this situation and have no idea of the background of it – plus no idea who the people are! But, if someone is aware of something about a person and then uses that against them – it’s not ok!

Sometimes I think people just say whatever they want and don’t think about it. This is exactly the point, they can be beyond offensive and hurtful and they overlook it when the rest of us drop our jaws!!! Good for you for writing this!!!! And that picture is so cute, she always makes me smile when I see her face!!!Kelsey Apley recently posted…Staples: Lil’ Rider Wiggle Ride-on Car $29.99 (reg. $70)

Awww… coaches… I played sports my entire life and you would not believe how coaches refer and sometimes ridicule kids… if you are too skinny, if you are overweight… Glad you are putting this out there ;o)Yaitza recently posted…Local Weekend Fun!

Hm, unfortunately I don’t follow sports too well so I don’t know the situation to comment on it, buuuut… that photo of your daughter is so precious and adorable!! <3 I think if anyone was in a bad/argumentative mood, if they were put in front of her in that mood, they would just melt and everyone would be happy again… 😉 (one could wish)

Great point. People really need to think before they speak and think about how it would make them feel. By the way your daughter is so stinking cute! Love that happy smile.Ashley Taylor recently posted…Christmas Wreath with Ornaments

How awful! Some people really need to use a filter and think before they speak. At least his true colors have been shown, what a jerk!Jenn @ hellorigby! recently posted…The 10 Best Christmas Movies & Giveaway!

Forced apologies are the worst. At best, these things bring about teachable moments, like you mentioned. For the time the issue is in the spotlight, it’s an opportunity to teach.Camesha | Mama Motivator recently posted…7 Quotes to Inspire – Instantly

I am not aware of this story, but most famous/popular people do use PR as a means to apologize even though they are doing it for the people to see instead of actually researching and realizing OH NO I should be sorry. In this particular case, I cannot relate, I am not offended by any words and have raised my kids not to be. Words never used to cause such a stir, but I totally get where you are coming from this. Appreciate you raising more awareness for something I have little knowledge about, so I can also learn more!Brandy recently posted…You Just Have to Listen a Bit Harder #specialneeds